Corruption Shockwave: High-Profile Arrest in Ghana as EOCO Probes SIC Scandal, Drones Fly Over HQ
The Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, is cooperating with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following his arrest and questioning over alleged financial misconduct at SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Ltd. EOCO executed search warrants at his office and residence as part of the ongoing investigation into suspected financial loss, dissipation of public funds, and money laundering. This development follows a period of resistance from the MP, whose lawyer asserts his actions were within professional legal bounds.
The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, is currently under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) regarding alleged unauthorised financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Limited.
Following a High Court warrant issued for his arrest and search, the MP voluntarily surrendered to EOCO on Thursday, October 1, for questioning and was subsequently placed under arrest. He is reportedly cooperating with investigators as the inquiry proceeds.
The comprehensive investigation by EOCO encompasses a range of suspected offences, including criminal conspiracy, significant financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, dissipation of public funds, money laundering, and various tax-related irregularities.
Mr. Baffour Awuah, who is also the Senior Partner of Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah and Partners, is being scrutinized in connection with his law firm's representation of SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Limited.
His legal counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, has strongly maintained that Mr. Baffour Awuah acted solely as a lawyer for SIC Life, adhering strictly to client instructions concerning a specific judgment and subsequent settlement.
Atta Akyea questioned how an unfavorable settlement could automatically translate into criminality.
EOCO's efforts to secure the MP's attendance had been ongoing, with the agency stating it had exhausted reasonable means to ensure his voluntary presence.
This included a notable attempted arrest at the Accra High Court on September 23, an incident that Mr. Baffour Awuah vehemently resisted, characterizing it as an “unlawful arrest” and an “attempted kidnap.”
He subsequently sought sanctuary within the premises of Parliament. A High Court warrant, authorising both his arrest and searches for relevant documents, was ultimately issued on Wednesday, September 30, after EOCO expressed concerns about potential concealment, alteration, or destruction of evidence.
On October 1, Mr. Baffour Awuah arrived at the EOCO office in the company of his legal counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, and several parliamentary colleagues, including Kofi Amankwah Manu, Subin MP Obiri Yeboah, former Deputy Attorney-General Joseph Kpemka, and Bosome Freho MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh.
After more than an hour of intensive questioning, EOCO officials proceeded to execute the court-sanctioned search warrant at Mr. Baffour Awuah’s office and subsequently at his residence. The searches were specifically aimed at locating documents related to the SIC Life matter.
During the search, counsel Samuel Atta Akyea raised significant concerns about the potential breach of attorney-client confidentiality, describing the law firm as a "holy chamber" of confidential information. He warned against accessing files unrelated to the SIC Life investigation, which could raise serious legal issues.
Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, who was present, confirmed that the interrogation focused predominantly on the SIC issue.
He also stated that Mr. Baffour Awuah, through his lawyers, informed EOCO officials that all pertinent documents had already been submitted and that further information could be directly obtained from SIC.
The MP also cautioned officials against examining confidential documents belonging to his other clients.
A point of contention arose regarding prior invitations from EOCO. The Office stated it had invited Mr. Baffour Awuah twice in February to assist with investigations, an account the MP disputed.
Mr. Baffour Awuah asserted that the February correspondence was addressed to his former law firm, Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah & Partners, concerning its representation of SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Limited.
He further noted that representatives of his law firm had appeared before EOCO on March 4, March 18, and April 30, providing investigators with the requested information, including a written statement.
Adding to the activities surrounding EOCO’s headquarters on October 1, amid heightened security, three individuals—two men and a woman—were arrested for allegedly flying drones over the agency’s premises without authorization.
The drones were reportedly observed for several minutes before EOCO officials pursued and apprehended the suspects.
EOCO has reiterated its commitment to conducting the investigation professionally, independently, and strictly in accordance with due process, emphasizing the protection of all individuals' constitutional and legal rights.
The Office has urged the public to allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without speculation or premature conclusions regarding the culpability of any individual.
The allegations against Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah remain under active investigation and have not yet been established by a court of law.